Judge rules that DSS has power to prosecute cyberstalking

A preliminary objection filed by a defence counsel challenging the prosecution powers of the Department of State Services to prosecute cybercrimes, has been struck out by a federal high court sitting in Yenegoa, Bayelsa state's capital.

This came after the DSS arraigned a teenager before the court on one count charge of cyber-stalking. The teenager who was first charged in October 2021, was accused of circulating the nude picture of a retired Permanent Secretary on social media after she tried to blackmail the retiree, into paying her N15 million.

The retired permanent secretary now deceased, who is a witness for the DSS following a petition he submitted to DSS had in his testimony told the court that the teenager made a nude video of him when they had sex at a hotel in Yenagoa in August 2021.

Ruling on the case after listening to arguments from the prosecution and defence counsels, Justice Isa Dashen said under the Cybercrimes Prevention and Prohibition Act 2015, the DSS is a relevant security Agency and has competence to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes.

He stated; “The DSS has competently investigated this case and prosecuting counsel for DSS, Victor Uchendu has the powers of prosecution and I dismiss the Notice of Preliminary Objection.

“The case is hereby adjourned until Sept. 28.”